ISO 21084:2019

Overview

ISO 21084:2019 specifies a laboratory method for the determination of extractable alkylphenols (AP) in textiles and textile products without a derivatization step. The method covers sample preparation, extraction, chromatographic analysis (GC-MS, LC‑MS or LC‑FLD), calibration and calculation of results. ISO 21084:2019 is intended for laboratories analyzing nonylphenols and octylphenols in fabrics using methanol extraction and instrumental detection.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Quantification of extractable APs (octylphenols and nonylphenols) from textile specimens.
• Sample preparation: Cut specimen into ~5 mm × 5 mm pieces, weigh (typically 1 g), and extract with methanol.
• Extraction: Ultrasonic bath at 70 ± 5 °C for 60 minutes; filter extracts (0.45 µm or less) prior to analysis. Final extract volume must be recorded for calculations.
• Analytical methods: Qualitative and quantitative analysis by GC‑MS/MS, LC‑MS/MS, or LC‑FLD. Positive GC‑MS results should be confirmed by LC techniques to avoid false positives (e.g., decomposition artifacts).
• Reagents and apparatus: Uses HPLC‑grade methanol, acetonitrile, water and standard reference substances (4‑n‑octylphenol, 4‑tert‑octylphenol, 4‑n‑nonylphenol, 4‑nonylphenol). Chromatographic columns and detector settings are provided in Annex A and B as examples.
• Calibration and calculation: External calibration is used; calibration curves must meet stringent linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.995 or R > 0.990). Concentrations in sample extracts are converted to mg/kg of specimen per the standard’s formulas.
• Reporting: Test reports must reference ISO 21084:2019, list methods used, provide individual AP results, and note deviations or influencing circumstances.
• Performance data: Annex C provides interlaboratory reproducibility and repeatability statistics from validation studies.

Applications and users

ISO 21084:2019 is relevant for:

• Textile testing laboratories performing routine chemical screening for alkylphenols.
• Product safety and quality control teams in textile manufacturing.
• Chemical compliance and verification groups assessing extractable AP content before market release.
• Research and environmental labs studying extractable endocrine‑active chemicals in fibers and finished textile products.

Practical benefits include a standardized extraction workflow (no derivatization), validated chromatographic options (GC‑MS/MS, LC‑MS/MS, LC‑FLD), and guidance for robust calibration and reporting.

Related information

• Prepared by ISO/TC 38 (Textiles).
• Annex A: example GC‑MS/MS conditions; Annex B: LC‑MS/MS and LC‑FLD conditions; Annex C: method reliability data.

Keywords: ISO 21084:2019, alkylphenols, AP, textiles, nonylphenol, octylphenol, GC‑MS, LC‑MS, LC‑FLD, ultrasonic extraction, methanol extraction, calibration.